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Cantilevered Green Roof With Charred Wooden Shingles Optimizing Natural Light In Sustainable Residence

Author:
Gaetano Marcanio
Cantilevered Green Roof With Charred Wooden Shingles Optimizing Natural Light In Sustainable Residence

Project in-detail

A cantilevered green roof paired with charred wooden shingles creates a seamless integration of natural light and landscape, resulting in a sustainable residence designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design enhances outdoor shading and expands usable space.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural integrity while reducing weight.
04
Bent A-frame design optimizes interior volume and ceiling height.
05
Green roof system enhances insulation and supports local biodiversity.

### Project Overview

The architectural design, "Nature's Embrace," is situated in a context that emphasizes ecological sustainability and the integration of built environments with natural landscapes. The intent is to create a harmonious relationship between the architecture and its surroundings, using organic forms and principles that promote aesthetic integration with the environment.

### Spatial Organization and Layout

The spatial organization facilitates enhanced flow and usability throughout the structure. The entryway is designed to provide a welcoming transition into the interior spaces. Common areas, including the kitchen and living room, are positioned to maximize natural light and maintain visual connections to the outdoors. Private spaces, such as bedrooms, are strategically arranged to ensure privacy while incorporating large windows that foster a sense of connection with the landscape. Utility areas are discreetly integrated to minimize their visual impact, thereby maintaining the integrity of the overall design.

### Materiality and Innovative Features

The selection of materials serves both functional and aesthetic roles in the project. Concrete provides structural integrity and a minimalist appearance, while extensive use of glass enhances transparency and facilitates connections between indoor and outdoor environments. Wood is incorporated to evoke warmth and comfort, exemplified by a herringbone pattern featured in the main living area. Green roof systems are deployed to improve insulation and promote biodiversity.

Innovative design elements such as cantilevered structures create shaded areas beneath, allowing for a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The integration of landscaping blurs the line between the architectural and natural elements, creating a cohesive environment that supports sustainable living practices. The orientation of the building considers sun exposure and natural ventilation, contributing to its energy efficiency.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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